Should I Pay or Appeal My Double Parking Ticket?
Have you received a double parking ticket? Each month, this site guides more than 32,000 visitors, just like you, through their questions and worries about tickets and fines. It can be confusing and a bit scary but don’t worry.
In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll show you:
- What double parking means in the UK.
- When double parking is not an offence.
- How to appeal your double parking ticket.
- What you can do if you can’t pay your ticket.
- How much a double parking ticket costs.
Our team understands how you feel when you get a ticket, and we’re here to help. Let’s learn together how you can handle your double parking ticket.
Do You Have to Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
It’s a bit sneaky, but the last time I needed legal advice, I paid £5 for a trial to chat with an online solicitor called JustAnswer.
Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
Chat below to get started with JustAnswer
In partnership with Just Answer.
Will I get a Penalty Charge Notice for double parking?
Yes. If you are not loading or unloading, dropping off or picking up passengers, you risk getting a Penalty Charge Notice when you double park on a public road.
The local council will issue a PCN whether it’s left your vehicle by a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO), handed to you or sent through the post when the offence is caught on camera.
You then have 28 days to pay or appeal a double parking ticket you got on public land.
What about a Parking Charge Notice for double parking?
A car park operator could give you a Parking Charge Notice for double parking on private land.
But there’s a difference between a Parking Charge Notice and a Penalty Charge Notice.
One big difference is that a Parking Charge Notice is not really a fine.
It’s an invoice raised by a car park management company because you broke their rules.
The issuer needs to take you to court and win a case before they can legally force you to pay.
That said, if you double park on private land, such as a supermarket car park, and it contravenes their Terms & Conditions, the operator will give you a parking ticket.
Can I appeal double parking ticket on public land?
Yes. You can appeal a double parking ticket provided you can back the challenge up with proof.
There is a time limit to challenging the Penalty Charge Notice, and you typically have to appeal in writing.
The time limit is 28 days, and you can’t challenge the fine if you miss the deadline.
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
What reason could I appeal a Penalty Charge Notice?
There are several valid reasons for challenging a PCN for double parking, which I’ve listed below:
- The Penalty Charge Notice contains the wrong information
- You received the PCN in the post more than 14 days after the alleged offence
- You weren’t the driver when the offence happened
The issuer will write back to you once they assess your appeal. They will accept your reason to have the ticket cancelled, or they will reject your appeal.
If it’s the latter, the issuer sends you a Notice of Rejection, allowing you to pay the fine or escalate your appeal to a tribunal.
Details on how to do this are provided in the Letter of Rejection.
Case study: The motorist asks about appealing a Penalty Charge Notice?
A motorist posted this message on a popular forum after receiving a Penalty Charge Notice in London on a street where they thought they could park.
Source: Moneysavingexpert
When is being double-parked not an offence?
When you stop a vehicle and you are not moving, the law deems you are parked, provided the following does not apply:
- You stopped to drop off or pick up passengers
- You stopped to load or unload items/goods
In the eyes of UK law, you are deemed to be parked in all other situations.
That said, whether you can legally double park when loading or unloading depends on the parking rules in an area.
The same applies to when you are picking up or dropping off passengers.
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
Can I ignore a Parking Charge Notice for double parking?
No, ignoring a Parking Charge Notice is not a good move.
Although not immediately enforceable, a car park management company could take you to court.
Not only that, but they could also send a debt collection agency to recover what’s owed.
Dealing with debt collectors is never a pleasant experience, and once they are involved, you can’t deal with the operator anymore.
What if I can’t pay a double parking ticket?
I suggest you remain in contact with an issuer if you can’t pay a double parking ticket because you are in debt.
If you don’t stay in touch and let the issuer know your situation, they will escalate things, making it harder to settle the fine.
Hire a Parking Solicitor for less than a coffee.
If you’re thinking about appealing your parking ticket then getting some professional advice is a good idea.
Getting the support of a Solicitor can make your appeal much more likely to win.
For a £5 trial, Solicitors from JustAnswer can look at your case and help you create an airtight appeal.
In partnership with Just Answer.
